How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US which has reciprocity. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Prices can vary and you should shop around! Choose a driving school that is reputable.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to operate a motor vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photo. The driving license also includes magnet strips, even though it isn't currently in use.
When you take an exam for driving in Germany you'll have to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test usually takes 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations and also some general questions. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or failed the test. If you succeed, you will receive the certificate that permits you to drive until you can take your license for after a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving exam is to be calm and calm. Most people fail their driving tests because they panic or forget the rules of road. It is important to practice as much driving as possible before the driving test, particularly if the driving rules in your country differ.
If you're staying in Germany for only a short duration, then your driving license from your home country will probably suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
But, you must first present a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. It is also essential to attend driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical exams before you can get your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine will help you find English-speaking driving instructors on the internet.
How do kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen get an German driver's license?
If you're a resident of a state or country that has an agreement with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's license for the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs between countries, and you should check with your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll need to register your residency and provide documents that prove you are healthy and have a clear and sharp vision. In certain instances, you could also be required to present certificates attesting your license is not suspended or revoked.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for one that's a German one without needing to take any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however it is necessary to pass a theory and practice exam is required to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining a German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll need complete a course in a driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can receive a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and complete the first-aid training.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email following your appointment. It will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15-years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving permit along with a passport photo to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority right away to prevent unauthorized use of your identity and/or unlawful actions. You'll need to submit an official letter stating that you will return your license if it is found.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can usually exchange your foreign driving license for one German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is usually only possible if you have been driving for a long period of time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
In this case you'll still require proof of your identity and a recent passport photo. You will also need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. More information is available on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You should renew your licence at least four weeks prior to the date of expiration. This will allow you enough time to complete the necessary paperwork. You'll need the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a recent passport photo along with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may differ depending on the federal state where you reside. If you're not sure, you can contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more detailed information.
If you're looking to exchange a foreign licence to a German one, you'll require a written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical examination and a written or a practical driving test.
During the test, you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving skills on a public road. You'll receive your new German licence a few days later when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an US license?
Rules vary based on the state the country from which the license was issued. In the US each state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance, in Massachusetts those who hold an active German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without exchange or having their US licenses amended.
It is highly recommended that those who plan to remain in the USA for longer than the duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while in the United States. If you do not, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to give them your American license to obtain the German license.
You can find information about the process and the documentation required in Anlage 11 of the German Federal Road Traffic Act (Standard-Fahrzeugsteuergesetz, SFTG). The Anlage contains a list of states and countries in which a driver’s license from the country can be transferred without retaking a driving exam. It includes Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
If you are not from a state or country that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain a different type of license, you'll have to complete the entire course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes taking an instructor-led driving course, taking theory classes and passing a multiple-choice examination and a practical test to show that you know the guidelines of driving and that you are able to manage a vehicle. The test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons could range from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. Prices differ from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.